Black Bears in Kentucky
Movements
Photo by Jayson Plaxico
Black bears are wide ranging and relatively long lived
animals. Consequently, bears spend vast amounts of time moving in search of
food, cover, mates, and
denning habitat. Ongoing cooperative
research with the University of Kentucky has provided a wealth of knowledge
concerning travel patterns and movement rates of bears in eastern Kentucky.
Bears are now being equipped with GPS
(global positioning system) radio collars that link with orbiting satellites to
remotely collect locations at varying time periods. Research shows that male
bears range over areas from 200–500 km2; that is an area of
approximately 77–193 square miles! Conversely, female home range size averages
about 20 km2, or almost 8 square miles.
Such dramatic differences in home
range area between sexes are due to two things- reproductive condition and
season. Male bears travel incredible distances throughout the breeding season
of June and July, while movements by female bears are generally limited to the
highest quality habitat available. Female home range area is further limited as
they often have cubs or yearling bears in tow. In addition, home range area
varies considerably between seasons due to significant shifts in food
availability.
Click here to view extensive use of
mountain ridges in Kentucky by 5 different bears equipped with GPS radio collars.
Click here to view interstate
movements of a male Kentucky bear equipped with GPS radio collars.
